A seasonal study of the haematology of carp (Cyprinus carpio) from a locality in the Transvaal, South Africa

Abstract

Various haematological parameters of carp blood were examined on a monthly basis from February to November. Seasonal variations were observed in red and white blood cell counts, in haemoglobin and plasma protein concentrations and in mean corpuscular fragilities. Sexual differences were evident in red blood cell counts, haematocrit values and haemoglobin concentrations. Plasma protein electrophoresis showed marked conformational changes during the study period. The results are discussed in relation to previous findings and also in relation to the use of blood as a possible indicator of breeding season in carp.